A consultation held by the coalition government on changes to energy regulations is expected to reduce carbon emissions targets compared with the previous governments plans.
The preceding government stated that carbon emissions would be cut by 25% in the 2013 version of part L compared with the 2010 version. However in the latest sign of the coalition government reducing green measures the consultation is expected to contain carbon reduction targets of as low as 11%.
This lower percentage reduction is achieved through the use of more energy efficient services and improvements to building fabric. However achieving a 20% reduction would require expensive renewable technologies and CHP systems which could threaten the feasibility of developments.
It is expected that the government will take on an aggregate approach whereby carbon reduction targets will be based on building type. The part L consultation is also likely to include minimum standards for the energy performance of the fabric of housing as proposed by the Zero Carbon Hub. This is also based on housing type which may mean CO2 reduction targets for flats don’t change but increase significantly for detached homes.
The requirement to upgrade the energy performance of an existing home when building an extension is also likely to be included. Although forcing homeowners to upgrade when undertaking other improvements was seen as risky, linking improvements to the Green Deal which removes upfront cost to homeowners could make it politically acceptable.
